Spotlight Theatre Productions

Spotlight Theatre Productions has been a rewarding and nurturing experience for our daughter Sarah for many years. All of the performers and teachers are very supportive and have become a second family. Sarah has become a talented performer and credits Spotlight for her getting into the Booker VPA program. Sarah is now considering musical theatre for college. There is not a better performing arts school in the country than Spotlight Theatre (visit Access Broadway for proof). More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Cynthia Ashford is a very important person in Sarasota. She affects the lives of so many young performers every day of her life. Spotlight is a place to grow and learn not only as a performer, but as a person. I've been with this family for over 8 years - we're a family. They're a crazy, talented, friendly, beautiful bunch that YOU could be a part of! August 23rd are auditions for our 11th season! See you there!!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

It's hard putting all of my gratitude into words. Spotlight has been a part of my life for 9 years now, and throughout those 9 years I've gotten the opportunity to choreograph, direct, make friendships that I know I'll have for the rest of my life, and grow as a performer and person. The skills spotlights teaches go beyond just musical theatre and performance training. Spotlight is a family of incredibly creative people who incourage each other every single day. I am forever thankful for the training and love I've been given from Cynthia Ashford and Terri Balash, and for the constant support from my Spotlight family. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Spotlight kids is the best gift I have ever given to my daughter. It has not only provided her with so many hours of fun; it began as therapy for ADHD and anxiety, she has made long lasting friendships, developed great self esteem, helped to improve social skills, helped to improve her musical theater skills, and aided in her becoming a compassionate and caring human being . Under the brilliant director, Cynthia Howe Ashford, and the incomparable, Terri Balash as music director, your child, too, could have this amazing gift! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Spotlight has been critical in the growth of our daughter, Kaity, both as a performer and as person. Cynthia and Terri offer the kids a supportive, loving environment to explore their creative sides, and challenge the kids to improve their performing skills. Through Spotlight, Kaity has built lasting friendships, and deepened her love of performing. Thank you Cynthia, Terri, and the rest of the Spotlight Family for everything you do! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My daughter has been in many theater programs around town since the age of four She is now 10 and decided to join Spotlight Theatre Productions for the first time this year. This year I have watched her grow tremendously both vocally and theatrically. I have not seen this level of talent else where and I am astonished at the level of talent directors and students are able to bring forth. Not only has the training far exceeded our expectations but the support and friendships she's established has been irreplaceable. We look forward to many more years with Spotlight and we consider the staff and fellow students family! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My daughter first joined Spotlight as an 8th grader, and she's now a junior in high school. Over these past 3+ years, Spotlight has not only enabled her to learn and grow as a performer, but as a team member and a leader as well. Cynthia Howe Ashford is a creative and insightful director. She 'gets' kids and draws the best out of them in talent -- and as human beings. Terri Balash brings brilliant insight into the vocals and music. The kids adore them both. The kids also love and support each other, even when they are auditioning for the same role. My daughter has formed life-long friendships through Spotlight, and we are so grateful she has had this healthy, productive 'family' to share her high school years. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

It's hard to put into words just how much Spotlight means to my daughter and to our family. She began going just over a year ago but has grown so much as a performer and a person within that short amount of time. Cynthia Ashford is truly a Godsend! One of the most caring and compassionate people I know. These kids are students, sure ... but she takes each one of them in as one of her own. Terri is phenomenal as well ... teaching me just as much along this journey as she has my daughter. These ladies pour so much into what they do, and it shows! Cannot say enough good about this program or these people so I will simply say "thank you" from the bottom of my heart! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My daughter Samantha has been with Spotlight Theatre Productions for 7 years and has not only grown as a performer, but as a student as well. Not only has she improved her singing, acting and dancing skills, but she has been given the opportunity to choreograph, direct a show and teach at the camps. Spotlight has grown into Sam's second family and has formed bonds that will last a lifetime. She loves not only performing with her peers, but assisting and working with the younger students as well. Whether she ends up performing professionally, directing, teaching or doing something completely different she is learning team work, time management and professional skills that will definitely be used in her future. More...

Reviewed on Facebook